Assessment

After the attack on the stronghold by the red dragon, the party retreats to the safety of the stronghold for shelter and a last night of recovery before striking out in the morning. Once they are out of sight, the dragon takes off up the river, bringing as much of it down in its wake as it can. After agonizing minutes, even the falling rocks fall silent, broken soon after by the force of the river reopening the channel. Within the halls of the giant stronghold, Imogene and the party take stock of their situation, and make plans.
Your session is interrupted by sounds outside. Looking out, you notice three cyclops making their way across the river from the far side. They pause to investigate the sprung trap on the near side, and the bodies of the orcs before moving toward the tower. They have decided that the giants have been defeated, and intend to loot the premises, and possibly make it their own den, if it meets with their approval. You have plenty of time to meet them at whatever point you choose to battle them, and can prepare your defenses before engaging them directly.
Once they have been defeated or driven off, the party should be eighth level. They can take time to update their characters as they prepare to continue on their way. While they recover and settle in, Imogene spends some time going through the rooms of the stronghold again, pausing to read scraps of paper and books she finds lying around, finally settling down by the fire to study the roll of parchment you uncovered earlier.
After checking the map, Imogene is convinced the volcanic swamp is passable, and thinks it offers the best option for approaching the dragon lair. She sees difficulty in the journey, and is worried about some of the indications present on the map, but believes they can be handled when met. She is curious about where you intend to go, and why you are drawn to the dragon?
I wonder the same things...